Why Val Kilmer’s ‘MacGruber’ Role Proved His Fearless Approach to Comedy

Val Kilmer’s comedic turn in MacGruber, the absurdist action-comedy inspired by the SNL sketch of the same name, is widely regarded as a testament to his versatility and fearless approach to acting. Known for his iconic roles in Top Gun and The Doors, Kilmer proved that he could do more than just play cool, intense characters—he could also bring the laughs. However, even Kilmer, with his legendary commitment to his craft, had his limits when it came to certain gags.

In a recent episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers podcast, director Jorma Taccone, who co-wrote and directed MacGruber, revealed a particularly extreme joke that Kilmer, as the villainous Peter von Cunth, flat-out refused to perform. “We did want to cut his penis off and shove it in his mouth,” Taccone confessed, adding, “That was the one joke that he did not want to do.”

The late Kilmer’s decision to reject this gag was met with approval by his co-stars. Seth Meyers, host of Late Night, echoed the sentiment, calling it “especially a good decision on his part,” acknowledging the fine line between comedic audacity and just plain distasteful. And while the joke never made it to the screen, the fact that Kilmer was willing to embrace the film’s wildly offbeat humor made his participation all the more impressive.

A Career of Contrasts: MacGruber vs. Top Gun

Kilmer’s willingness to take on the role of the villain in MacGruber stands in stark contrast to his earlier, more serious roles. Meyers, recalling his first exposure to Kilmer in Top Gun, marveled at how the actor was able to balance the two extremes of dramatic coolness and comedic brilliance. “He does the absolute opposite pulls of what you think someone is capable of doing,” Meyers said, referring to Kilmer’s breakthrough in Top Secret (1984), a film that showcased the actor’s exceptional range for slapstick comedy.

Taccone, an ardent fan of Kilmer’s work in Top Secret, shared his admiration for the actor’s comedy chops, admitting that the film had a profound influence on him as a young viewer. “I didn’t know that adults could be this funny,” he recalled of watching Kilmer’s outrageous performance. The director’s excitement over the chance to work with Kilmer was clear, especially as MacGruber came together with the comedic talents of Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, and, of course, Kilmer.

Kilmer’s MacGruber Journey: Why He Took the Role

While no one is entirely sure why Kilmer agreed to take on the role of Peter von Cunth, the character’s absurd name and the film’s outrageous humor, one strong possibility lies with Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels. Kilmer had hosted SNL back in 2000, an experience that, according to Meyers, may have been pivotal in bringing him back into the world of broad comedy. “I’m sure, like a lot of people, he had an incredible experience and then felt indebted to Lorne,” Meyers speculated. “And so Lorne probably pulled the strings to get him there.”

From the very first table read, MacGruber star Will Forte noticed Kilmer’s ease with the material. “He was fantastic,” Forte said. Despite Forte’s tendency to focus on what wasn’t working in the read-throughs, he couldn’t ignore how well Kilmer was performing. The actor’s natural comfort in the comedic space made him a perfect fit for the wild energy of MacGruber, a film that leaned heavily on its absurd premise while still treating its characters with sincerity.

Kilmer’s Fearlessness: The Heart of His Performance

What truly set Kilmer apart in MacGruber was his confidence. Taccone credited Kilmer’s unwavering bravery to “be himself at all moments” as what made his performance so captivating. It wasn’t just about playing a villain in an off-the-wall comedy—it was about embracing the humor with such authenticity that it felt completely genuine.

“That’s what made him unnervingly captivating to me,” Taccone said. “He’s just fearless.” Whether he was delivering ridiculous one-liners or engaging in slapstick antics, Kilmer’s fearless commitment to the role made him a standout in a film filled with outrageous characters and over-the-top humor.

The Legacy of Kilmer’s Comedy

Though MacGruber may not have been a mainstream blockbuster, its cult status has only grown over time, and much of that is due to Kilmer’s performance. As Peter von Cunth, Kilmer became a key player in a comedy that asked audiences to suspend disbelief and embrace the absurdity. His decision to reject the one particularly extreme gag only further emphasized his keen sense of what worked in comedy and his ability to navigate the line between shocking and funny with grace.

Kilmer’s legacy, both in his dramatic roles and his comedic performances, remains an enduring testament to his range and willingness to push boundaries. While he may have refused the one joke in MacGruber, his career proves that he was never afraid to take risks in his performances—whether on the big screen or on the stage of Saturday Night Live.